beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwer How to pronounce beware (audio)
bē-

intransitive

: to be on one's guard
beware of the dog

transitive

1
: to take care of
beware your wallet
2
: to be wary of
We must … beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization …—Matthew Lipman

Synonyms of beware

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Examples of beware in a Sentence

A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”. He told them to beware. The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
You may be tempted to make your way down to the beach at the bottom, but beware! — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 21 June 2026 Snorkelers and divers should beware of surges in La Jolla Cove. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026 July 3 could bring shocks or surprises; just beware of being too risky or impulsive. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 But true rationalists, beware; as in your favorite A24 film, here love may prove more powerful than the bottom line. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beware

Word History

Etymology

Middle English been war, from been "to be" + war "cognizant, ware entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of beware was in the 13th century

Rhymes for beware

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Browse Nearby Words

bewailment
beware
beweep
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Cite this Entry

“Beware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beware. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beware

verb
be·​ware bi-ˈwa(ə)r How to pronounce beware (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r
1
: to be on one's guard
beware of the dog
2
: to be suspicious of
beware the quick excuse

More from Merriam-Webster on beware

Nglish: Translation of beware for Spanish Speakers

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